Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, leading to various symptoms that can disrupt their daily lives. While many people associate PCOS with irregular periods and weight gain, one of the less-discussed consequences is hair loss. If you’re struggling with thinning hair and suspect PCOS may be the culprit, this blog will delve into why this happens and what you can do to manage it effectively.
What Is PCOS?
It is a hormonal condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, which affects the females in their reproductive ages. Generally characterized by an imbalance of hormones, PCOS can cause multiple symptoms; some include irregular menstrual cycles, gain weight, acne, excessive hair growth over certain parts of the body (hirsutism), and significantly, hair loss on the scalp. Hair loss can vary from woman to woman, so those who are experiencing thinning hair must learn about the connection between PCOS and hair loss.
Understanding Hair Loss Due to PCOS
Hair loss associated with PCOS is different from normal hair shedding. There may be generalized thinning of the hair on the top of the scalp, typically at the vertex and frontotemporal regions, patterns of hair loss known as androgenic alopecia or female pattern baldness, whose causes can also be linked to hormonal variations rather than genetics. This means it’s essential to address the actual causes of PCOS.
Symptoms of PCOS-Related Hair Loss
Women with PCOS-related hair loss often present the following symptoms:
- Gradual hair thinning, especially at the scalp’s crown.
- Increased shedding while combing or washing hair.
- A visible reduction in hair density over time.
If you are facing these symptoms, you must know that you are not alone, and there are effective treatments available.
How Does PCOS Cause Hair Loss?
The relationship between PCOS and hair loss can be attributed to the following main factors:
Androgen Imbalance
Among the most significant factors that contribute to hair loss among women with PCOS is an increased body level of androgens, which are hormones that include testosterone. Excessive production of such hormones can result in shrunk hair follicles, leading to thinning hair, mainly on the scalp. The manner in which this occurs can be linked to male pattern baldness in which the hair tapers and becomes shorter with time.
Insulin Resistance
Another common problem in women who have PCOS is insulin resistance, which contributes to raised androgen. The body responds by producing more insulin if the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, resulting in an even worse imbalance in hormones and worsening of hair loss. It has increasingly been learned that there is a relationship between the presence of insulin resistance and hair thinning; therefore, this is an important aspect to be addressed in PCOS to cure hair loss.
Is PCOS Hair Loss Reversible?
Many women wonder if hair loss due to PCOS can be reversed. While complete regrowth may not always be possible, early intervention can help manage the condition and slow or stop further hair loss. With proper treatments, many women can see significant improvements in their hair health.
How to Stop PCOS Hair Loss
To stop hair loss caused by PCOS, there are many effective strategies for you to consider:
Medical Treatments
Medical options are particularly effective in alleviating hair loss due to PCOS:
Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills are designed to eliminate imbalance among hormones and are believed to soften androgen levels, thus aiding in the reduction of hair fall.
Anti-Androgen Medications: The effect of anti-androgen medications like spironolactone involves inhibition of the role of androgens on hair follicles, which will slow down hair fall.
Non-Invasive Therapies
In the attempt to seek non-surgical remedies, several other therapies are available:
QR678 Neo®: This is the latest and most proprietary hair fall and hair regrowth therapy. It has transformed the method of treatment for alopecia with hair loss, majorly for women with hormonal imbalances. A scientifically verified treatment, QR678 Neo® fills the hair follicles and encourages hair regrowth without any need to withdraw blood as other treatments like PRP and GFC are devoid of. Regulatory-approved in more than 10 countries, it is a quick 8-10 minute procedure that has helped dozens of patients end their hair fall problems.
PRP Therapy: These employ the plasma of the patient’s blood for inducing hair growth. It is effective but requires the withdrawal of blood and can be very inconvenient as the duration of each session may take as long as 30 minutes to 40 minutes. The newer treatments like QR678 Neo® deliver faster results, cause no blood withdrawal, and provide much quicker and easier experiences for patients seeking a fast solution for hair re-growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: This treatment non-invasively employs light therapy to stimulate the scalp for hair growth. The effects take a while to manifest, but many find it an indispensable complement to their hair loss restoration. Scalp Massage This is done by massaging the scalp.
Scalp massage increases blood flow toward the scalp, thus upgrading the health of hair follicles and stimulating hair growth. Adding essential oils to the massage, such as peppermint or rosemary oil, can provide additional benefits in stimulating hair regrowth.
Supplements
Some supplements can also be added to help hair health, especially for women with PCOS:
- Biotin: Promotes the formation of healthy hair and nails.
- Zinc: This mineral helps regulate hormone levels and can improve overall hair health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats can reduce inflammation and support scalp health.
- Inositol: Research suggests that inositol supplements may help improve insulin sensitivity, reducing PCOS-related symptoms, including hair loss.
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
If your hair loss is becoming more severe or noticeable, it’s high time that you seek medical assistance. Some of the signs that require you to consult with the healthcare provider are:
- Home remedies and lifestyle changes don’t help.
- You have additional symptoms that relate to over-facial hair growth or a worsening condition of PCOS.
- You need a personalized treatment program to suit your needs.
- A dermatologist or endocrinologist can provide valuable insights and recommend personalized solutions to manage your hair loss.
Conclusion
One of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS can be hair loss, but rest assured that you have options. Understanding the connection between PCOS and hair loss will enable you to take proactive steps in managing your symptoms successfully. Treatments such as QR678 Neo®, combined with lifestyle changes and medical therapies, can help regain confidence while restoring your hair health. Reach out and learn about your available treatment options.
FAQs:
How to help hormonal hair loss?
Hormonal hair loss is associated with fluctuations of hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrogen, and thyroid hormones, and may occur at any stage of life for both men and women. These are the menopause and pregnancy stages. To effectively treat this condition, there are several scientifically grounded treatment options. One such treatment is topical minoxidil which not only encourages growth of hair but also prevents further loss of hair, especially in the case of androgenetic alopecia. Hormone replacement therapy is also available, especially for women where hormonal imbalances are prevalent. Antiandrogens, spironolactone, for example, can curb hair loss by inhibiting androgen activity. Low-level light therapy and PRP injections have gained prominence in promoting hair growth. QR678 Neo, on the other hand, is a novel approach that takes the healing properties of minoxidil to the next level by combining it with advanced biomimetic polypeptides to cure hair loss effectively. Unlike PRP, QR678 Neo is a regulatory-approved non-invasive treatment that will only consume minimal time, about ten minutes making it a very convenient treatment for patients. Additionally, the procedure is almost pain-free and has no negative side effects while presenting a safer profile compared to traditional methods. Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and adopting a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, can also complement hair health. Consulting with a dermatologist is of utmost importance to tailor a treatment plan according to individual needs and the underlying causes of hair loss.